Called "Saboreie Newark," the event is curated by Plusable, a public relations company founded in the United States by Portuguese-Americans Isabelle Coelho-Marques and Carlos Ferreira, and will bring together local and international chefs, as well as policymakers, to showcase Newark's gastronomic diversity and its cultural role in the region.

"With international guests from Portugal, Brazil, Italy, among other countries, the event highlights how immigrant communities are shaping Newark's identity and how gastronomy serves as a powerful engine of economic growth and global narrative," Plusable indicated in a statement sent to the Lusa news agency.

It will be a day of gastronomic demonstrations and global dialogue under the theme "The Culinary Cup: United at the Table," just weeks before Newark and other cities in the United States welcome a global audience for the FIFA World Cup.

"From the Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish influences of the Ironbound District to the rich African, Caribbean, and South American cuisines found in Newark, the city's gastronomic culture reflects generations of heritage, resilience, and innovation," he emphasises.

This year's program includes dynamic panel discussions such as "Uniting Cities Through Flavor" and "Welcoming the World: Food, Culture, and Newark's Global Stage."

Last year, Portuguese chef Gil Fernandes was the event's special guest. This year's highlight is Brazilian chef Nelson Soares, who will give a live culinary demonstration.

According to the organisation, another of the main highlights of this year's edition is a formal student exchange agreement between Newark and Cascais, allowing two students from the North American city to train for six weeks with chef Gil Fernandes at the Fortaleza do Guincho restaurant in Cascais.

“Saboreie Newark is a powerful reflection of who we are as a city – bold, diverse, and deeply connected to a broader global family,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, quoted in the statement.

“As we prepare to welcome the world to the World Cup games, this event showcases not only our flavours but also our values ​​— unity, opportunity, and pride. Bringing together local talent and international partners for Saboreie Newark strengthens our economy, uplifts our communities, and builds lasting cultural bridges that extend far beyond our borders,” he added.

The program, which is free and open to the public, also includes tastings from local restaurants, offering participants the opportunity to experience firsthand Newark's diverse culinary identity, a city home to one of the most significant Portuguese communities in the United States.

“We firmly believe that Newark is the authentic gastronomic capital of America and that its culinary scene has the power to drive cultural pride and economic growth,” said Isabelle Coelho-Marques, CEO of Plusable.